Now the weather is getting cold, and my favorite thing is to wear hair weaves in the fall and winter seasons. The reason why I love to wear hair weaves is that they protect my real hair from bad weather and help with length retention for you can not excessively perm or dye your natural hair. While I want to change my hairstyle without damaging my own hair, hair wet becomes a good option for versatility.
Want to have golden hair?
Want to try a long hairstyle?
Wearing hair wavy!
Even though hair weaves have so many benefits, you still need to take care of your own hair. Objectively speaking, there are many women suffering with traction alopecia. What is traction alopecia? It is gradual hair loss that is caused by a self-induced pulling force or action usually caused by too tight braids, twists, ponytails, and weaves, and is one of the top common causes of hair loss amongst Black women.
How to rock hair weaves while not damaging your own hair?
1. Avoid tight braids
Do not be shy with your hair stylist. It is your responsibility to make sure your hair is treated with tender love and care. If you feel like your hair is being braided too tight, speak up! If it hurts to laugh or smile, that means your hair has been braided way too tight. You should never leave your hair stylist in pain. Be adamant and firm with your stylist to make sure that your hair is braided comfortably and if possible, leave as much hair out around your edges.
2. Castor Oil is Your Best Friend
I swear by castor oil! Every two days I lightly oil my edges with castor oil. Castor oil is packed with nutrients and omega fatty acids that help to increase circulation in the scalp and promote hair growth. The best kind of castor oil to use is unrefined and cold pressed castor oil. Also, Jamaican Black Castor Oil is great. The oil I am currently using is the Jamaican Mango & Lime Jamaican Black Castor Oil Lavender. I also like to use Shea Moisture’s Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen, Grow, & Restore Edge Treatment.
3. Deep Condition Your Hair
Before I get a weave installed, I deep condition my hair and especially my edges. I find that conditioning my hair helps to prep and strengthen it before it is about to be braided. Two deep conditioners that I love are Shea Moisture’s Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen, Grow, & Restore Treatment Masque and Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Replenishing Pak.
4. Do Not Leave A Hair Weave In For Too Long!
I personally do not leave a weave in for more than 6 – 8 weeks. I think that any time past eight weeks is way too long. Leaving a weave in for too long can cause a lot of damage to your real hair, especially if you’re natural. You risk your natural hair matting, dreading, or being extremely tangled, which leads to major breakage.
5. Invest in Top Quality Hair Weaves
The hair that you decide to use for your weaves matter! Purchasing great quality hair is an investment because it is hair that you can use more than once and if you’re going to get a weave, make sure that it looks natural and flawless.
I currently have a full head sew in of virgin Malaysian hair from True Indian Hair. I am completely obsessed with this hair. So far I have experienced very little shedding and no tangles. What I love most about it is that it is full bodied, thick, and luxurious with a bit of coarseness so that it looks very natural. I also find that it does not get frizzy as Indian Hair.
I chose to order a lace closure so that my weave looks completely natural. It looks like it is growing straight from my scalp. The best part about rocking a closure is that I do not have to worry about using a flat iron to blend any leave out or any potential threats of heat damage.
I really am enjoying this hair! True Indian Hair sources the best quality virgin hair from India, Malaysia, and Brazilian. The hair can last up to 3-4 installs, which is why it is such a great investment.